Take back your sidewalks: Creating pedestrian-friendly communities for seniors

A free forum on pedestrian-friendly communities for older persons in Qualicum Beach and Parksville will be held on Nov. 2nd from 10 am – 2 pm at the Qualicum Civic Centre for registered participants.

This first of its kind event will explore the issue of creating safer pedestrian environments for older adults by bringing concerned community members together with experts to take part in a conversation about improving street and sidewalk safety for seniors in Parksville and Qualicum Beach.

This forum is part of the Café Scientifique initiative sponsored by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). The Cafés are held in communities across Canada to host vibrant discussions about health-related issues of popular interest. The Café is limited to 40 participants, so advanced registration is required. A complimentary lunch will be provided and transportation can be arranged for those needing assistance.

Participants include local seniors, health care providers, business people, municipal officials, engineers, and injury prevention researchers. The discussion will focus on evidence-based solutions for creating safer communities for older people.

While current research in the fields of healthy aging, injury prevention, and age-friendly building design will be presented, there is no need for community participants to have a science degree to share their experiences and join the exchange.

The Café was planned in partnership with Vancouver Island University (VIU), Vancouver Island Health Authority, BC Injury Research and Prevention Unit and the Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport.

The forum will be moderated by Matt Herman, Director of Injury Prevention and Healthy Built Environment, BC Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport.

Panelists are:


Vicky Scott, Senior Advisor on Fall and Injury Prevention, BC Injury Research & Prevention Unit


Anne Martin-Matthews, Scientific Director of the National Institute of Aging, Canadian Institutes of Health Research, and UBC Sociology Professor


Bob Weir, Director of Engineering and Utilities, Town of Qualicum Beach

As registration is limited, please contact Lynne MacFadgen of VIU’s Centre for Continuing Studies by phone 250-740-6160 or email ccs@viu.ca as soon as possible.

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For more information, contact:


Lynne MacFadgen


Vancouver Island University


250-740-6323


Email: Lynne.MacFadgen@viu.ca